Good morning, Reading.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County and Berks County Parks and Recreation co-host Healthy Kids Day and Color Fun Run this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township, with free entry & a noon run for kids under 12.

Penn State Berks and Berks Nature are hosting the City Nature Challenge, a citizen science event.

The program begins tomorrow with a 4:30 p.m. nature workshop at Luerssen Science Building, followed by observation activities April 24–27 and a collage art workshop on May 16 with free registration.

Construction crews are finishing work on the Pagoda by Wednesday as officials remove fences and complete final repairs, and the foundation will hold a flag-raising event outside on Sunday at 1 p.m. (The indoor reopening is postponed) (the site is on the National Historic Registry).

Berks elementary school closed Monday after fire crews fought a classroom blaze caused by a heating unit that ignited books and a bulletin board; officials are assessing damage before classes resume.

Utilities Employees Credit Union in Wyomissing is offering two $3,000 scholarships for Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend college or a technical/trade school this fall.

Applicants must submit a video or written entry based on financial lessons learned by May 1.

Four student organizations serving Berks County received state grants to reduce gun violence and expand after-school programs.

The funds support Muhlenberg School District, Penn State, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, and Communities In Schools in boosting academic intervention and prevention efforts.

A Boyertown school building remains closed today after a classroom fire required further remediation, with reopening set for tomorrow.

The Pennsylvania DCNR celebrated 30 new graduates today at Little Buffalo State Park and assigned ranger trainee Kaelyn Weleski and park manager trainee John Friedline to French Creek State Park, where they will begin their roles this summer—advancing public service in our state parks.

Dr. Raquel O. Yiengst of Sinking Spring resigned from the PA Human Relations Commission after 48 years of service, including 35 years with Reading School District.

Her long career in championing bilingual education + social justice marks her legacy as the longest-serving Latina in a government-appointed role.

The Norfolk Southern railroad bridge at Penn Avenue and Second Avenue in West Reading will be power-washed and repainted beginning Monday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m. Officials warn motorists to prepare for lane closures on Penn Avenue — delays are expected until the two-week project ends.

Reading City Council is set to offer property owners grants from $25,000 to $100,000 to convert vacant upper floors to residential units downtown (200-500 blocks of Penn Street); the program requires a 25% applicant match and will open for applications next month.

Reading received a $700k grant to redevelop two vacant Penn Street buildings into a mixed-use property (12 apartments plus office space) that will boost local housing and commercial opportunities.

Ephrata Rhythm & Brews

12-5 p.m. — Thomas P. Grater Community Park — Cost varies — Celebrate local craft beverages and music while enjoying a variety of food trucks in a spring park setting.

Peso Pluma Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique musical style of Peso Pluma, a trailblazing artist with millions of monthly listeners.

Sepultura Concert

6:30–8:00 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — Tickets start at $78 — Experience the electrifying live performance of Sepultura in Reading, PA.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in a spectacular live show.